Fuse arrangement, especially for motor vehicles

ABSTRACT

A device for the arrangement of fuses, especially in motor vehicles, which comprises a fuse carrier in the form of a male member adapted to be inserted into a receptacle in the form of a female member whereby in that position of the fuse carrier in which the same is locked with respect to the receptacle due to relative rotation of these two parts, an electric connection is automatically established between the fuses and the respective cable connections.

United States Patent 1191 [111 3,872,416 Kinasi 1 1' Mar. 18, 1975 1 1 FUSE ARRANGEMENT, ESPECIALLY FOR 81 13 1:6111 339/198 (1 x 8 l 6 e er 337/188 MOTOR VEHICLES 3,474,383 10/1969 Mahon ct a1 339/198 GA X [75] Inventor: Norbert Kinasi, Stuttga G rmany 3,496,521 2/1970 Hohorst 339/198 GA x [73] Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft, stuggart'umefluerkhelm Germany 3,815,072 6/1974 DiMarco 337/226 [22] Filed: May 22, 1972 Primary ExaminerJ. D. Miller [21] Appl' 255634 Assistant ExaminerFred E. Bell Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Craig & Antonelli [30] Foreign Application Priority Data May 22, 1971 Germany 2125439 [57 ABSTRACT 52 US. 01 337/201, 317/117, 337/186, A deviee fer the arrangement Of fuses, espeeially in 337/226, 339/198 motor vehicles, which comprises-a fuse carrier in the 151 lm. c1. 1110111 85/02 form of a male member adapted to be inserted into a [58] Field of Search 337/186, 187, 188, 189, reeeptaele mtheferm of efemale member whereby in 337/201, 208, 226; 317/117; 339/198 G, 198 that position of the fuse carrier in which the same is GA locked with respect to the receptacle due to relative rotation of these two parts, an electric connection is [56] References Cited automatically established between the fuses and the UNITED STATES PATENTS respective cable connections.

3.116.386 12/1963 Sperzel 337/188 85 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures constructed in its interior space as fuse support or fuse carrier and is provided with corresponding mounting means for the interchangeable fastening of the fuses, which includes on the outside thereof cable connections coordinated to the fuses and whose interior space is adapted to be closed by a cover. The fuse-box generally has the shape of an elongated rectangular body, in whose interior space, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the box, the fuses extend transversely to the box longitudinal direction and are disposed parallel to one another. Such a prior art device for the arrangement of fuses, on the outset, is relatively spaceconsuming in its construction since the distance between the adjacent fuses has to be selected sufficiently large in order to be still able to seize and grip the fuses laterally with the fingers during the exchange. Therebeyond, an appropriate accommodation or mounting of such a structurally relatively large device frequently entails considerable difficulties because the fuses appropriately should not only be accommodated on the inside of the vehicle cabin, but additionally also should be so arranged that they are readily accessible at all times and above all are also readily inspectable after removal of the cover. This cannot be realized in numerous motor vehicles since this requires an arrangement of the device in the front side of the instrument panel covering where frequently no space is present any longer and where furthermore, the mounting of such bulky devices is also undesirable for aesthetic reasons. Frequently, the prior art devices therefore are arranged, for example, in the foot space in front of the driver or co-driver where they are accessible only with difficulty and where they can be inspected only with still greater difficulty, or are arranged even in the engine space where they are strongly exposed to weather influences and also soil strongly which in turn brings about that already the exchange of a fuse involves a dirtying work.

The present invention is now concerned with the task to so construct a device of the aforementioned type for the arrangement of the fuses, especially for motor vehicles, that with an arrangementof the device in the interior space of the motor vehicle, i.e., especially in the vehicle cabin, which is favorable from a handling and gripping point of view, a simple exchange of the fuses is possible together with good view on the fuses independently of any special position or location of the device.

According to the present invention, this is achieved in a device for the arrangement of fuses of the afore-- mentioned type in that the device is assembled from a fuse carrier or support and a separate receptacle coordinated to the fuse carrier and containing the cable connections, into which the fuse carrier is adapted to be inserted and in which the fuse carrier is adapted to be locked in a position in which the fuses are in electrical connection with the respectively corresponding cable connections. By the combination according to the present invention of the fuses in an altogether detachable fuse carrier or fuse support, which can be removed from the receptacle for the examination of the fuses or the exchange of fuses, it is achieved that the work and operations requiring a good view on the fuses and a good accessibility to the fuses can be realized at any desirable place independent of the securing or mounting place of the device in the vehicle so that in selection of the mounting location for the device these considerations can be ignored. Compared to the prior art solutions a considerably larger area within the vehicle in which the device can be accommodated or mounted, results therefrom, without impairing the good interchangeability of the fuses. In contrast to the exchange and examination of the fuses arranged in the prior art fuse supporter carrier, an insertion thereof into the receptacle with corresponding configuration can also be carried out without difficulties according to this invention even when a good visibility of the entire device is no longer assured.

it is appropriate in the actual construction of the present invention if the fuse carrier or fuse support is assembled column-like and if a sleeve-shaped receptacle is coordinated to the fuse carrier. Such a construction of the fuse carrier and of the receptacle makes it possible also with a device including many fuses to an rive at a narrow or small construction in relation to the direction of insertion of the fuse carrier into the receptacle, whereby the possible mounting area for the device within the vehicle is still further increased and whereby it becomes possible in particular to locate the handle end of thefuse carrier within an area readily accessible from the drivers seat. A particularly simple and safe fixing of the fuse carrier with respect to the receptacle can thereby be achieved in that the fuse carrier and the receptacle containing the cable connec tions are adapted to be latched with respect to one another by a locking connection resulting from the mutual rotation thereof, whereby according to the present invention the fuses arranged in the fuse carrier are electrically connected with their cable connections in the locked position.

In order to avoid incorrect fuse protections of the electrical system in case of unskilled or improper handling of the device, it is appropriate if the receptacle and the fuse carrier are so matched to one another in their construction that the fuse carrier is adapted to be inserted into the receptacle only in one angular position when the fuse carrier and receptacle are axially aligned. To that end the fuse carrier within the scope of the present invention may be provided at its circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinated a recess or aperture in the receptacle. However, this is realizable within the purview of the present invention also in that the receptacle is provided at its inner circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinated a recess or aperture in the fuse carrier. A further possibility according to the present invention to prevent an incorrect insertion of the fuse carrier into the receptacle resides in that the receptacle is mounted on a plate disposed in front thereof in relation to the insertion direction of the fuse plate and/or the fuse carrier may be provided with mutually coordinated radial projections and apertures or recesses.

In order to assure a simple handling of the fuse carrier, it may be appropriate if the fuse carrier is provided with a cover part at its rearward end as viewed in the insertion direction into the receptacle, which cover part includes a handle. Furthermore, it may also be of advantage if the fuse carrier or support is provided at its forward end in relation to the insertion direction into the receptacle, with a closure part that, on the one hand, may serve for the protection of the fuse carrier and the shielding of the fuses arranged therein during the insertion of the fuse carrier into the receptacle and which, on the other, can also be so constructed that the insertion of the fuse carrier into the receptacle is facilitated, for example, by corresponding guide surfaces. However, it is also possible within the scope of the present invention to provide or mount the means provided for the determination of the angular position of the fuse carrier during the insertion thereof into the receptacle, partially in the closure part. The closure part may be provided for that purpose with at least one radial projection or with at least one radial recess or aperture, to which corresponds analogously an aperture or a projection at the receptacle or at the mounting plate of the receptacle, respectively. 1

The cover part and closure part of the fuse carrier according to a further feature of the present invention may beconstructed with advantage as storage containers for spare fuses so that in case of failure of a fuse, a corresponding spare fuse is always available.

A particularly universally applicable device for the arrangement of fuses which is individually adaptable to the respective requirements as regards the number of the necessary fuses, can be achieved according to the present invention in that the fuse carrier and the receptacle are made up of individual elements to be connected into a respective unit, of which each element of the fuse carrier accommodates at least one fuse and the respectively corresponding element of the receptacle is provided with the associated cable connections. Such a building block system which may be varied at will as regards the number of the fuses and which can also be expanded in case of need by the addition of elements in a corresponding manner, enables the adaptation of the device to the prevailing requiement for fuses so that also the fuses for additional aggregates and units to be subsequently installed into the vehicle can be included in the device according to the present invention. The known prior art devices as described above for the arrangement of fuses, in contradistinction thereto, are invariable as regards the number of the fuses to be arranged therein so that they either have to be designed oversized which results in higher costs or have to be complemented in case of need by additional and independent devices for the arrangement of fuses which are always accommodated wherever space still exists in the vehicle. A particular advantage of the construction of the device according to the present invention in the manner of a building block system further resides in that with the use of this device, the necessity can be dispensed with to equip each vehicle type or model with a special device for the arrangement of fuses particularly designed and developed therefor which considerably increases the costs of stocking and storing the same as also the manufacturing costs thereof. As a result of the variability of the device for the arrangement of fuses in the construction according to the present invention, the latter can be readily adapted at any time to the special requirements occurring in the different vehicle types. I

In one embodiment of the present invention, it is appropriate if the fuse support or carrier and the receptacle are each assembled of elements which are similar to one another and are to be connected coaxially to one another whereby it is of particular advantage if the elements of the fuse carrier and of the receptacle, which are to be assembled column-like, have respectively the same height.

A simple construction of the fuse carrier and of the receptacle is achievable in that theindividual elements assembled into a fuse carrier and'into a receptacle are form-lockingly connected with each other and are clamped against one another.

A simple construction for the fuse carrier results if each element of the fuse carrier includes a base plate which is provided with axially extending locking cams, with supports for the contact springs holding the fuses and with a central centering pin which includes an axial bore for a clamping bolt. The free end sections of the locking cams, of the supports and/or of the centering pin, may thereby form parts of the form-locking connecting between directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier. It may be appropriate in connection therewith if at least individual ones of the locking cams and/or of the supports are provided with offset end portions, to which correspond recessesor apertures in the respectively opposing side of the base plate and which form parts of the form-locking connection between directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier.

In order to facilitate the assembly of the elements, it

may be appropriate if the centering pin has on one side of the base plate a length corresponding to the locking cams and is provided at the end face with a polygonal central aperture to which corresponds a raised portion of the centering pin of the same cross sectional configuration and provided on the other side'of the base plate. whereby the depth of the aperture and the length of the corresponding centering pin part is larger than the depthof the form-locking connections coordinated to the locking cams and/or the supports. To facilitate the insertion of the fuse carrier into the receptacle, it is appropriate if the locking cams are provided at radially outwardly projecting sections of the base plate.

A space-saving construction of the fuse carrier, which enables the accommodation of a large number of fuses within the smallest possible space and at the same time assures good access to the individual fuses, can be achieved in that an element of the fuse carrier or support carries respectively two fuses which are disposed .parallel to one another. Appropriately, the fuses spective fuse, one contact spring is securely supported adjacent its support area for the fuse whereas with the other contact spring the support area for the fuse is located within the area of the free spring end. For the removal of the fuse, during which the fuse carrier has to be under all circumstances outside of the receptacle, it is possible by reason of this mounting for the fuses to permit the fuses to drop out of the fuse carrier by simply lifting of the free end of the one contact spring. The contact springs may within the scope of the present invention preferably fittingly surround the respectively associated locking cam preferably at least for the greatest part thereof. However, it is also possible to provide the locking cam as such with a surface that is at least partially conductive and to bring the contact spring in contact with this surface. I

It is appropriate in an embodiment of the receptacle according to the present invention if the elements, from which the receptacle is assembled, are constructed ring shaped and are provided on the inside thereof with hook-shaped detent or locking openings projecting beyond the circumference thereof, which detent or locking openings, in relation to the circumference of the ring-shaped element, open all in the same direction and to which corresponds, on the one hand, a locking cam provided at the base plate of an element of the fuse carrier and to which, on the other, is coordinated a cable connection. With such a construction it is possible in a simple manner to fix the fuse carrier inserted into the receptacle by rotation with respect to the receptacle and at the same time to bring the fuses into electrical connection with the cable connections. This is achieved in that the locking cams are inserted into the hook-shaped detent or locking openings and are locked within the same. The locking can be achieved, for example, by at least one end of a spring extending essentially along the wall of the locking opening whereby this spring simultaneously represents the electrical connection associated with the receptacle for the corresponding cable connection.

Within the frame of the present invention, the cable connections are appropriately provided respectively externally at the ring-shaped elements. With two fuses coordinated to an element of the fuse carrier, one thus obtains four cable connections at each corresponding ring-shaped element of the receptacle. These cable connections are appropriately provided in an extension projecting beyond the outer circumference of the ring shaped element, and more particularly preferably in the radial outwardly disposed end face of this extension. Such an accommodation of the cable connections makes possible a particularly advantageous guidance of the cable and in particular subsequently the combination thereof into a cable trunk in a simple manner. Furthermore, such a construction is suited also in particular to install the cables connected with the cable connections together with the device as preassembled unit into a motor vehicle.

If according to the present invention the extensions containing respectively a cable connection and coordinated respectively to a locking cam are arranged distributed over the circumference of a ring-shaped element of the receptacle in such a manner that with a rotation of mutually following elements constituting the receptacle and disposed coaxially to one another through 180 with respect to one another, the corresponding extensions disposed one above the other and coordinated to the locking cams are offset with respect to one another in a zig-zag shape and form mutually offset cable passages separated by the extensions disposed therebetween, then it is possible to extend the cables in a simple manner up to the cable connections, and more particularly in such a manner that they extend from the individual cable connections ear-like fanned respectively along the receptacle. Such an arrangement makes possible an access to each of the cable connection which is unimpaired at any time by the other cables.

A special, advantageous location of the extensions with a laterally inverted symmetrical interior construction of the receptacle elements can be achieved according to the present invention in that of the cable connections, which are coordinated to two detent or locking openings disposed in a diagonal plane, at least one opening is disposed offset to this diagonal plane and that the radial planes containing these cable connections enclose together with the diagonal plane containing the detent or locking openings an angle of about 10 to 20, preferably of approximately 15. Of the cable connections which are coordinated to two locking openings disposed in a diagonal plane, one of the cable connections is preferably disposed in the diagonal plane containing the locking openings. With two fuses arranged in an element of the fuse carrier and with detent or locking openings provided correspondingly at an element of the receptacle, it is appropriate if the two diagonal planes, in which are disposed the locking openings, enclose with one another acute angles, preferably of about-60.

According to a further feature of the present invention, it is appropriate if the contact springs coordinated to the receptacle elements form with their radially outer portions respectively a component of a cable connections. Additionally, it may be of advantage if the locking openings receive respectively a correspondingly shaped contact-bridge piece coordinated to the contact spring and formed by the radially inner end section thereof, and if a pin-shaped extension is provided in the hook-shaped detent opening which is located at a distance in front of the closed end, whereby a portion of the contact-bridge piece is disposed be tween the pin-shaped extension and the wall of the locking opening. it is avoided thereby that during a rotation of the locking cams in the opening direction, the contact-bridge pieces may possibly be pulled out of the locking openings insofar as they are not constructed particularly stiff, and are deformed in an undesirable manner. Both the contact springs coordinated to the fuse carrier as also to the elements of the receptacle are appropriately connected with the respective element exclusively by plug connections. It is appropriate in that connection for the elements of the receptacle to provide groove-shaped recesses or indentations, starting from an end face thereof, for the insertion of the contact springs. These contact springs can be retained, for example, by form-locking elements which serve for the non-rotatable fixing of elements following one another on the inside of the receptacle with respect to one another. Pins may be provided as such form-locking elements which, for example, are provided within the area of the extensions respectively at the end face, which is disposed opposite the end face containing the mounting groove for the contact spring. Apertures or recesses provided in the respectively opposite end face and coordinated to'the pin-shaped form-locking elements are appropriately so designed and located that an axial fixing of the contact spring is achieved simultaneously by the pin-shaped form-locking elements.

These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing whichshows, for purposes of illustration only, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, and wherein FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fuse carrier of a device for the arrangement'of fuses in accordance with the present invention to be installed in a motor vehicle,

FIG. 2is.a schematic view of a, receptacle in accordance with the present invention for receivingthe fuse carrier of FIG. 1 adapted to be inserted into the recepline IV+-IV of FIG. 3, and illustrating the various elements in exploded view,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an element from which the receptacle is assembled, I

FIG. 6"is across sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a partial, elevational view of a receptacle assembled from individual elements according to FIG. 5 7

and taken in the direction of arrow VII in FIG. 5, with parts thereof broken away,

FIG. 8 is aplan viewon one of the ring-shaped elements from which the receptacle is assembled, with an element of the fuse carrier receiving the fuses which is placed into the ring shaped element, and

'FIG. 9 is a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along IX- -IX of FIG. 8.,

Referring now. to the drawing wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the various views to designate likeparts, the schematic illustration of a device according to the present invention for the mountingof fuses according to FIGS. 1 and 2 clearly shows that the device is made essentially of a fuse carrier in the form of a male member generally designated by reference numeral 1 and of a receptacle in the form of a female member generally designated by reference numeral 2 and coordinated to the fuse carrier 1, which receptacle is provided with the connections 3 for the cables generally indicated in FIG. 2 by reference numerals 4' and 4". The fuse carrier 1 and the receptacle 2 represent independent, column-shaped assembly units, of which the'fuse carrier 1 can be inserted into the receptacle 2 and'is to be locked with respect thereto. Preferably simultaneously with the locking, the contact between the fuses 5 provided at the fuse carrier 1 and the cable con nections 3 coordinated to the same is established.

7 By reason of the fact that the fuse carrier 1 can be removed as a unit out of the receptacle 2, the fuses 5 can be readily removed, examined or also exchanged independentlyof the position or location of the device which is preferably arranged in the vehicle interior space, i.e., in the vehicle cabin. As a result thereof,one is-relatively independent in the selection of the location where the device is to be arranged, and it is possible without impairment of the work during the exchange or examination of fuses to arrange the receptacle 2 within an area of the motor vehicle interior space which preferably is located within the area of reach in front of the driver or also of the co-driver but which cannot be 5 readily viewed without difficulty from the driver or codrivers seat. A plate 6 fixed with respect to the vehicle body may thereby be provided for the mounting of the receptacle 2, for example, within the area underneath the instrument panel of the vehicle (not shown), whereby the plate 6 is provided with an aperture( not shown) enabling the insertion of the fuse carrier 1 into the receptacle 2. In order to'preclude an incorrect insertion of the fuse carrier 1 into the receptacle 2 during.

the insertion of the fuse carrier 1 into the receptacle 2 which may be arranged, as pointed outabove, to be visible or inspectable only with difficulty, the fuse carrier 1 and the receptacle 2 may be so matched to one another in their respective external and internal cross sections that the fuse carrietl can be'inserted into the receptacle 2 only in its correct position. A possibility to prevent an incorrect insertion of the fuse carrier I into the receptacle 2 resides, for example, to provide a radial projection 9 at the closure part 8 which is provided at the forward end of the fuse carrier 1 as viewed in the insertion direction 7 of the fuse carrier 1 into-the receptacle 2, whereby a corresponding aperture (notshown) provided in the plate 6 is coordinated to the'projection 9. The projection 9 may be so located in relation to the opening cross section of thereceptacle 2 that it travels in an existing free space during the insertion of the fuse carrier 1 into the receptacle 2 so that separate recesses in the receptacle itself can'be dispensed with. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 9 may simultaneously serve to effect an axial securing of the fuse carrier I inserted into the receptacle 2 after the locking thereof with respect to the receptacle 2,'and more particularly by engaging behind a part-of the receptacle 2 when the fuse carrier 1 is locked with respect to the receptacle 2. I

If the closure part 8 is constructed, for example,'boxshaped as storage compartment, which is not'shown in detail'in the drawing, then spare fuses can be appropriately accommodated therein. The same possibilityi also 4 exists with respect to the'cover 10 provided at the fuse carrier 1, which includes a handle 11.

The fuse carrier 1 is made of mutually identical elements 12 between the closure part 8 and the cover 10 which in the assembled condition of the fuse carrier 1 are disposed coaxially to one another and are nonrotatably clamped against one another in the longitudinal direction of the fuse carrier 1. A construction similar in principle is selected according to the present invention for the receptacle 2 which is composed of individual ring-shaped elements 13 which in their turn are non-rotatably connected with each other and clamped in the axial direction. The locking of the elements 12 and 13 against alternate rotation within the'respective connection of the fuse carrier 1 and of the receptacle 60 2 is attainable by a form-locking connection whichcan be formed by pins and recesses coordinated thereto which are provided at the mutually opposite end faces of the elements 12 or 13. Such 'pins 14 are schematically indicated in FIG. 2 at the ring shaped element 13 of the receptacle 2 adjacent the plate 6, to which are coordinated corresponding recesses or apertures in the plate 6'so that also the non-rotatable fixing of the receptacle 2 withrespect to the plate 6 is attainable by the same parts, by means of which the elements 13 are non-rotatably fixed with respect to one another. By reason of the fact that the fuse carrier 1 and the receptacle 2 are assembled respectively of mutually identical elements 12 and 13, which have the same height for the fuse carrier 1 and the receptacle 2, the device according to the present invention is completely variable as regards the number of the fuses to be provided and can therefore be matched not only to the requirements respectively prevailing in a vehicle but can also be utilized for vehicles of other types particularly also with the same basic construction. This considerably facilitates the stocking and therebeyond lowers also the manufacturing costs.

In order to assure a completely satisfactory and above, all easy insertion of the fuse carrier 1 into the receptacle 2, also in those cases in which the receptacle 2 must be arranged in a manner difficult to reach and, in particular, also can be inspected only with difficulty, it is appropriate to construct the closure part 8 in such a manner that the insertion into the receptacle 2 is facilitated. For that purpose, for example, the closure part 8 may be constructed of conical shape which, however, is not illustrated herein.

In the solution according to the present invention mutually adjacent elements of the receptacle 2 are so arranged that the cable connections'3 provided thereat are offset with respect to one another zig-zag shaped, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The possibility results therefrom to realize also with a large number of fuses a good access to the respective cable connection and to achieve a neat lead-off of the cables.

Whereas FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a schematic representation of a device according to the present invention for the arrangement of fuses for motor vehicles, a possible and particularly advantageous embodiment of the elements for the fuse carrier and the receptacle as well as of a device assembled according to the present invention from these elements will be described more fully hereinafter by reference to FIGS. 3 to 9.

Thus, in FIGS. 3 and 4 an element generally designated by reference numeral 12 of a fuse carrier 1 is illustrated which includes a base plate that is provided with radially outwardly arranged detent or locking cams 16, extending axially as viewed in the assembly direction of the elements, and which further includes supports l7-l9 for the contact springs 21 and 22 (FIG. 8), by means of which the fuses (FIG. 8) coordinated to the respective elements 12 of the fuse carrier 1 are retained. Furthermore, a central centering pin generally designated by reference numeral 23 is arranged at the base plate 15, which is provided with an axial bore 24 for a clamping bolt (not shown) clamping the elements 12 of the fuse carrier against one another in the axial direction.

In order to secure the elements 12 of the fuse carrier 1, adapted to be clamped against one another in the axial direction, against alternate relative rotation in the clamped condition, according to the present invention the elements 12 are furthermore form-lockingly locked with respect to one another in addition to the axial clamping connection thereof. This form-locking locking means is achieved within the scope of the illustrated embodiment, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, on the one hand, in that the centering pin 23 has a height corresponding to the height of the locking cams 16 and/or of the supports 17-19 on the side of the base plate 15 on which the locking earns 16 and the supports 17-19 are provided, and is provided at the end face with a polygonal central aperture 25, to which corresponds a portion 26 of the centering pin 23 projecting from the other side of the base plate 15 and of identical cross section. During the assemblly of several elements 12 of the fuse carrier, the part 26 of one element 12 now engages, as shown in FIG. 4, into the aperture 25 of the next adjacent element 12 whereby due to the complementary polygonal cross-section of the aperture 25 and of the part 26 a non-rotatable fixing of the corresponding elements 12 of the fuse carrier with respect to one another results. Additionally, the detent or locking earns 16 are provided within the area of their free end sections with offset end'portions 27, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, to which correspond apertures or recesses 28 disposed axially opposite in the side of the base plate 15 opposite the side containing the locking earns 16. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the height 29 of the locking cams 16 up to the offset end portions 27 thereof corresponds to the height of the part of the centering pin 23 disposed on the corresponding side of the base plate 15 so that the end portions 27 project beyond the plane in which the base plate 15 of the respective next element abuts axially against the edges 30 of the centering pin 23, against the supports 17-19 and against the locking earns 16. By reason of the fact that, as shown in FlGf4, the depth of the recess 25 and the height of the portion 26 of the centering'pin 23 is larger than the height of the offset end portion 27, at first a precentering takes place during the assembly of the elements 12 of the fuse carrier 1, and therewith an alignment of the respective elements 12 to be connected before the offset end portions 27 have to be inserted into the recesses 28 coordinated thereto. The assembly of the elements 12 is facilitated thereby. I

In addition to the supports 17-19 for the contact springs 21 and 22 illustrated in FIG. 8, the centering pin 23 also serves by its special construction for the support of the springs in that in relation to the center 31, mutually opposite, projecting wall zones 32 are provided which are each provided with a mounting slot 33 for one end of a contact spring 22.

Corresponding to the fuse carrier 1, the receptacle is also assembled of individual axially assemblable elements 13 as shown in FIG. 2, of which one element 13 is shown in plan view in FIG. 5. Each element 13, which as shown in FIG. 8, surrounds in the illustrated embodiment one element 12 of the fuse carrier 1 with two fuses 20 arranged thereon, is provided with the cable connections 34 which are coordinated to the fuses arranged on the enclosed fuse carrier 1. The cable connections 34 of which for the sake of simplicity only one is shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 8, are provided within the area of the end faces of extensions 35 arranged at the outer circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element 13.

In the illustrated embodiment four hook-shaped detent or locking openings 36 are provided radially inwardly at the ring shaped receptacle element 13, which, in relation to the circumferential direction of the ring-shaped element, all open in the same direction and in which come to rest the detent or locking earns 16 of the fuse carrier-element 12, as shown in FIG. 3, with the fuse carrier element 12 inserted into the ring shaped receptacle element 13 and locked with respect thereto. It is conditioned thereby that the locking openings 36 and the locking cams 16 have the same position withrespect to each other.

FIG. 8 also shows that the respective radially inner ends 37 of contact springs 38, which are shaped corresponding to the locking openings 36 are disposed in the locking openings 36 opening in the circumferential direction; the contact sprigns 38 form with their radial outer ends 39 a part of the respective cable connection 34. In order to enable the lead-off of the cables according to the present invention, as described by reference to FIG. 2, which requires that the cable connections 3 or 34 of stacked elements 13 of the receptacle 2 are mutually offset zig-zag shaped, and more particularly with identically constructed receptacle elements 13 and with locking cams l6 axially identically arranged one behind the other on the inside of the fuse carrier and of the receptacle, the receptacle elements 13 are so constructed and the extensions 35 provided thereon are so arranged that upon a rotation of two elements 13 following one another within the receptacle 2 through 180 with respect to each other, the extensions 35 of the receptacle elements 13 disposed one above the other are mutually offset whereas the dent or locking openings 36 of the elements 13 remain disposed axially identically one above the other as before.

In relation to the location of the locking openings 36, this is attainable in that the receptacle elements 13, apart from the location and construction of the extensions 35 and of the cable connections 34, are constructed laterally inverted symmetrical to a cross center plane.- Mutually oppositely disposed eyes 40 may be provided on the outside at the ring-shaped receptacle elements 13, which are disposed mutually opposite in relation to the center point thereof and which are provided each with a bore 41 extending in the axial direction, through which clamping pins (not shown) are adapted to be extended for the axial clamping of the receptacle elements 13 against one another.

Corresponding to the construction of the receptacle elements 13 also the elements 12 of the fuse carrier 1 are all constructed within the scope of the present invention laterally inverted symmetrical to a cross center plane, whereby a favorable space subdivision and especially also a favorable arrangement of the fuses resultso that the fuses can be easily removed. -It is advantageous in connection therewith if the fuses arranged parallel to one another and mutually longitudinally offset, as can be seen from FIG. 8, are retained on one side by way of a contact spring 22 which is supported on both sides and thus is relatively stiff, whereas they are guided 'on the other side by the relatively long and freely extending leg of the contact spring 21 whose free end 42 is favorably disposed as regards gripping in the outer edge area of the base plate 15 of the element 12 so that the spring 21 can be readily raised within the area of its free end 42 for the removal of the fuse 20. For achieving a large spring path of the contact spring 21, the

contact spring 21 is guided essentially S-shaped about the supports 17 and 18 (FIG. 8). The contact spring 22, r

in contradistinction thereto, is supported on both sides of its support point for the fuse 20, and more particularly. on the other hand, against the support 19 and on the other in the slot 33. All of the contact springs 21 and 22 coordinated to an element 12 of the fuse carrier 1 surround a respective locking cam 16 within the area of the end thereof opposite the respective fuse 21 sao that upon insertion of the locking cams 16 an electrical connection between the cable connections 34 and the associated fuses 20 is automatically established by rotation of the fuse carrier with respect to the receptacle since the contact springs 21, 22 and 38 coordinated to the fuse carrier and to the receptacle are in electrical contact on the inside of the respective locking opening 36. Appropriately, the end 37, disposed in the locking opening 36, of the contact spring 38 on the side of the receptacle may thereby be so constructed that the contact spring 38 forms within the area of its end 37 a mounting spring. This is shown in FIG. 8 from which it canbe seen that the spring part 37 of the contact spring 38 disposed in the detent opening 36tapers in the direction toward the inlet cross section of the locking opening 36. In order that the end portion 37 of the contact spring 38 disposed in the locking opening 36 cannot be taken along when the fuse carrier is rotated in the unlocking direction, i.e., during disengagement of the locking cams 16 out of the locking openings 36, and the spring 38 is damaged thereby under certain circumstances, a pin-shaped extension 43 which belongs to the receptacle element 13, is interposed in front of the end portion 37 of the spring 38 within the area of the rearward arc of the locking opening 36 at a distance to the rearward arc. The pin-shaped-extension 43 forms simultaneously an abutment during the insertion of the locking cams 16 into the locking openings 36.

In order to obtain the offset of the extensions 35 of mutually stacked receptacle elements 13, as desired within the frame of the present invention, it is appropriate if the cable connections 34 belonging to respective mutually diagonally opposite locking openings 36 and contained in extensions 35 are disposed offset with respect to the corresponding diagonal plane in such a manner that the radial planes extending through the center points of the respective cable connections 34 form with respect to. the diagonal plane an angle of about 10 to 20, preferably about 15. The center point of one of the cable connections 34 may thereby coincide with the diagonal plane as illustrated in the given embodiment so that an-angle of about 15 resultsbetween the radial plane associated with the other cable connection and the diagonal plane. The center point of the cable connections 34 belonging to mutually oppositely disposed extensions 35 are disposed respectively on straight lines which are tangential tothe same circle about the center point of a receptacle element. The angle between the straight lines amounts to about 50 to preferably 60. Respective mutually oppositely disposed extensions 35 are constructed symmetrical to a plane through the center point of the receptacle, which is disposed perpendicular to the straight line that connects the center point of cable connections 34 belonging to mutually oppositely disposed extensions 35. This construction of the receptacle makes it possible to construct essentially identically the contact springs 38 coordinated to the receptacle elements 13. Contact springs 38 which are associated with mutually oppositely disposed'extensions 35 differ from one another exclusively in that the radially outer ends 39 thereof are bent off in opposite directions with respect to the spring center portion 44. To that end the radially outer end portions 39 are disposed perpendicular to the spring center portions 44 which, in relation to two mutually oppositely disposed extensions 35. are disposed in a common diagonal plane through the center point of a receptacle element 13.

The straight line connecting the center points of the corresponding cable connections 34 is disposed parallel to this diagonal plane. In the arrangement described hereinabove, two mutually adjacent extensions 35 receive contact springs 38 of identical construction.

For the mounting of the contact springs 38 in the extensions 35, the latter are provided with grooves 45 and apertures 46 starting from an end face of the receptacle element so that the contact springs 38 can be inserted in a simple manner and the manufacture of the receptacle elements can be realized in a simple manner. The apertures 46 which are provided radially outwardly at the extensions 35, are so constructed and shaped that a guidance on both sides results for the radially outer end section 39 of the contact springs 38 as can be seen from FIG. 7, whereby a simple construction of the cable connections 34 can be realized. More particularly, if the aperture 46 is deepened radially inwardly, then a recess 47 results which, with a contact spring 38 inserted into the receptacle element 13, is closed off toward the outside by the end portion 39 thereof and into which can be inserted a polygonal nut, preferably a square nut 48 so that cable eyes or connector lugs (not shown) can be clamped completely satisfactorily by a threaded connection against the contact spring 38. By reason of the fact that the apertures 46, as can be seen from FIG. 7, are opentoward an end face of the receptacle element 13 and that the cable connections 34 are disposed slightly inside of the extensions 35, the cable eyes or connector lugs are disposed protected by these extensions 35. This can be seen in particular from FIGS. 7 to 9. FIGS. and 9 additionally illustrates that the leg portion 49 limiting the locking opening 36 radially inwardly thereof is offset in height toward its free end whereby an abutment surface 50 results against which the base plate abuts with its edge 51 (FIG. 3) when the fuse carrier 1 is locked with respect to the receptacle 2.

Within the scope of the present invention pin-shaped extensions or corresponding apertures may also be provided appropriately at the end faces of the receptacle elements by means of which respectively mutually following receptacle elements can be non-rotatably fixed with respect to each other. Appropriately, the pinshaped extensions or the apertures corresponding thereto are, as shown in FIG. 5, provided and so arranged within the area of the extensions 35 that, as indicated by the aperture 52 in FIG. 5, the pins simultaneously may, serve to fix the contact springs 38 disposed in the extensions 35 in the axial direction of the receptacle 2.

While I have shown and described only one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same is not limited thereto but is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art and I, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein but intend to cover allsuch changes and modifications as are encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A device for the arrangement of fuses, especially in motor vehicles, which includes a fuse carrier means, fuses exchangeably arranged in said fuse carrier means, and cable connection means, characterized in that a separate receptacle means is coordinated to said fuse carrier means, which contains the cable connection means, said fuse carrier means being insertable into said receptacle means, and said fuse carrier means being lockable in a position in the receptacle means in which the fuses are electrically connected with the corresponding cable connection means.

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said device consists essentially only of two assemblies constituted by said receptacle and fuse carrier means.

3. A device according to claim 1, characterized by locking means on said fuse carrier means and on said receptacle means for locking said fuse carrier means with respect to said receptacle means.

4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is constructed columnshaped and in that a sleeve-shaped receptacle means is coordinated to the fuse carrier means.

5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are lockable with respect to each other by a locking means resulting from relative mutual rotation.

6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the receptacle means and fuse carrier means are so matched to one another in their construction that upon axial alignment of the fuse carrier means and receptacle means, the fuse carrier means is adapted to be inserted into the receptacle means onlyin a predetermined angular position.

7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided along its circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinated an aperture in the receptacle means.

8. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the receptacle meansis provided at its inner circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinated an aperture in the fuse carrier means.

9. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the receptacle means is mounted on a plate disposed in front thereof in the insertion direction of the fuse carrier means, and in that the plate and fuse carrier means are provided with mutually coordinated radial projection and aperture means.

10. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided at its rear end as viewed in the insertion direction into the receptacle means with a cover means which includes a handle portion.

11. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided with a.closure means at the forward end thereof as viewed in the insertion direction in the receptacle means.

12. A device according to claim 11, characterized in that the closure means is provided with at least one of radial projection and radial aperture to which is coordinated a corresponding one of an aperture and projection at one of the two parts consisting of receptacle means and mounting plate.

13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one of the two parts consisting of cover means and closure means of the fuse carrier means is constructed as compartment for spare fuses.

14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are composed of individual elements to be connected into a structure, of which each elemment of the fuse carrier means receives at least one fuse and the corresponding element of the receptacle means is provided with associated cable connection means.

15. A device according to claim 14, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are composed of mutually identical elements to be connected coaxially to one another.

16. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that the elements combined into fuse carrier means and receptacle means are form-lockingly connected with one another and clamped against one another.

17. A device according to claim 14, characterized in that an element of the fuse carrier means includes a base plate that is provided with axially extending locking cam means, support means for contact spring means retaining the fuses and a central centering pin means which is provided with an axial bore for a clamping bolt.

18. A device according to claim 17, characterized in that free end sections of the locking cam means, of the support means and of the centering pin means form parts of a form locking connection between respective directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier means.

19. A device according to claim 18, characterized in that at least individual ones of the locking cam means and of the support means have offset end portions to which correspond aperture means in the respectively oppositely facing side of the base plate and which form parts of the form locking connection between respectively directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier means. i

20. A device according to claim 18, characterized in that the-centering pin means on one side of the base plate has a length substantially corresponding to the locking cam means and is provided on the end face with a polygonal central aperture to which corresponds a raised part of the centering pin means of identical cross sectional configuration and provided at the other side of the base plate, whereby the depth of the aperture and the length of the corresponding centering pin part are larger than the depth of the form-locking connections coordinated to the locking cam means and the support means. i

21. A device according to claim 20, characterized in that the locking cam means are provided at radially outwardly extending sections of the base plate.

22. A device according to claim 20, characterized in that an element of the fuse carrier means is constructed laterally inverted symmetrical to a cross center plane passing throuogh the center of the centering pin means and carries to mutually parallelly disposed fuses extending approximately perpendicularly to this cross center plane which are arranged mutually offset in the longitudinal direction.

23. A'device according to claim 22, characterized in that the contact spring means retaining the fuses start respectively from a locking cam means and that of the two contact spring means retaining a respective fuse, one contact spring means is supported on both sides adjacent its support area for the fuse whereas with the other contact spring means, the support area for the fuse is disposed within the area of the free spring end.

24. A device according to claim 23, characterized in that the contact spring means at least for the most part surround fittingly the .associatedlocking cam means.

25. A device according to claim 24, characterized in that the ring-shaped elements of the receptacle means 16 are provided on the inside with hook-shaped locking opening means projecting beyond the inner circumference, the locking opening means all opening in the same direction in relation to the circumference of the ring-shaped element, a locking cam means provided at the base plate of an element being coordinated to the locking opening means, on the one hand, and a cable connection means being coordinated thereto, on the other.

26. A device according to claim 25, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided respectively on the outside at the ring-shaped elements.

27. A device according to claim 26, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided in an extension projecting beyond the circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element.

28. A device according to claim 27, characterized in that the cable connection are provided in the radially outer end faces of said extensions.

29. A device according to claim 28, characterized in that the extensions containing respectively a cable connection means and coordinated respectively to a locking cam means of an element of the fuse carrier means are arranged distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element in such a manner that upon rotation of respectively following coaxially disposed elements forming the receptacle means through 180 with respect to one another. the corresponding extensions disposed one above the other and coordinated to the locking cam means are mutually offset zig-zag shaped and form mutually offset cable passages separated by the extensions disposed therebetween.

30. A device according to claim 29, characterized in that of the cable connection means, which are coordinated to two locking cam means or locking opening means disposed in a diagonal plane, at least one of said cable connection means is disposed offset to the diagonal plane, and that the radial planes containing the cable connection means form with the diagonal plane containing the locking openings means an angle of about 10 to 20.

31. A device according to claim 30, characterized in that said angle is about 15.

32. A device according to claim 30, characterized in that of the cable connection means, which are coordinated to two locking opening means disposed in a diagonal plane, one of the cable connection means is disposed in the diagonal plane containing the locking opening means.

33. A device according to claim 32, characterized in that the two diagonal planes in which are disposed the locking cam means or locking opening means with two fuses coordinated to an element of the fuse carrier means, form an acute angle.

34. A device according to claim 33, characterized in that said angle is about 60.

35. A device according to claim 33, characterized in that locking opening means receive a correspondingly shaped contact bridge means which is formed by the radially inner end section of a contact spring means and is connected with a cable connection means.

36. A device according to claim 35, characterized in that the contact spring means coordinated .to the receptacle elements form with the radially outer portions thereof a component of a cable connection means.

37. A device according to claim 36, characterized in that a pin-shaped projection is provided in the hookshaped locking opening means located in front and at a distance of the closed end thereof, a portion of the contact bridge means being disposed between the pinshaped projection and the wall of the locking opening means.

38. A device according to claim 37, characterized in that groove-shaped recesses for the contact spring means to be inserted therein are provided in the ringshaped receptacle elements which recesses start from an end face thereof.

39. A device according to claim 38, characterized in that in the locking position of the fuse carrier means with respect to the receptacle means, the locking cam means surrounded by the contact spring means coordinated to the fuse carrier means are disposed in the hook-shaped locking opening means receiving the contact bridge means and are retained by the contact bridge means constructed as locking springs.

40. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are lockable with respect to each other by a locking means resulting from relative mutual rotation.

41. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle means and fuse carrier means are so matched to one another in their construction that upon axial alignment of the fuse carrier means and receptacle means, the fuse carrier means is adapted to be inserted into the receptacle means only in a predetermined angular position.

42. A device according to claim 41, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided along its circumference with at least one radial projectionto which is coordinated an aperture in the receptacle means.

43. A device according to claim 42, characterized in that the receptaclemeans isprovided at its inner circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinatedan aperture in the fuse carrier means.

44. A device according to claim 43, characterized in that the receptacle means is mounted on a plate disposed in front thereof in the insertion direction of the fuse carrier means, and in that the plate and fuse carrier means are provided with mutually coordinated radial projection and aperture means.

45. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided at its rear end as viewed in the insertion direction into the receptacle means with a cover means which includes a handle portion. I

46. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided with a closure means at the forward end thereof as viewed in the insertion direction in the receptacle means.

47. A device according to claim 46, characterized in that the closure means is provided with at least one of radial projection and radial aperture to which is coordinated a corresponding one of an aperture and projection at the receptacle means.

48. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of two parts consisting of cover means and closure means of the fuse carrier means is constructed as compartment for spare fuses.

49. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means r 9QmP 2 1 .9 a.rhrditv of Y L l Il to be connected into a structure, of which each element of the fuse carrier means receives at least one fuse and the corresponding element of the receptacle means is provided with associated cable connection means.

50. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are composed of mutually identical elements to be connected coaxially to one another.

51. A device according to claim 49, characterized in that the elements combined into fuse carrier means and receptacle means are form-lockingly connected with one another and clamped against one another.

52; A device according to claim 49, characterized in that an element of the fuse carrier means includes a base plate that is provided with axially extending locking cam means, support means for contact spring means retaining the fuses and a central centering pin means which is provided with an axial bore for a clamping bolt.

53. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that free end sections of the locking cam means, of the support means and of the centering pin means form parts of a form locking connection between respective directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier means.

54. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that at least individual ones of the locking cam means and of the support means have offset end portions to which correspond aperture means in the respectively oppositely facing side of the base plate and which form parts of a form locking connection between respectively directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier means.

55. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that the centering pin means on one side of the base plate has a length substantially corresponding to the locking cam means and is provided on the end face with a polygonal central aperture to which corresponds a raised part of the centering pin means of identical cross sectional configuration and provided at the other side of the base plate, whereby the depth of the aperture and the length of the corresponding centering pin part are larger than the depth of form-locking connections coordinated to the locking cam means and the support means.

56. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that the locking cam means are provided at radially outwardly extending sections of the base plate.

57. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that an element of the fuse carrier means is constructed laterally inverted symmetrical to a cross center plane passing through the center of the centering pin means and carries to mutually parallelly disposed fuses extending approximately perpendicularly to this cross center plane which are arranged mutually offset in the longitudinal direction.

58. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that the contact spring means retaining the fuses start respectively from a locking cam means and that of the two contact spring means retaining a respective fuse, one contact spring means is supported on both sides adjacent its support are for the fuse whereas with the other contact spring means. the support area for the fuse is disposed within the area of the free spring end.

59. A device according to claim 58. characterized in that the contact spring means at least for the most part surround fittingly the associated locking cam means.

60. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that ring-shaped elements of the receptacle means are provided on the inside with hook-shaped locking opening means projecting beyond the inner circumference, the locking opening means all opening in the same di recton in relation to the circumference of the ringshaped element, a locking cam means provided as the I base plate of an element being coordinated to the looking opening means, on the one hand, and a cable connection means'being coordinated thereto, on the other.

61. A device according to claim 60, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided respec tively on the outside at the ring-shaped elements.

62. A device according to claim 61, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided in'an extension projecting beyond the circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element.

63. A device accordng to claim 62, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided in the radially outer end faces of said extensions.

64. Adevice according to claim 62, characterized in that the extensions containing respectively a cable connection means and coordinated respectively to a locking cam means of an element of the fuse carrier means are arranged distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element in such a manner that upon rotation of respectively following coaxially disposed elements forming the'receptacle means through 180 with respect to one another, the corresponding extensions disposed one above the other and coordinated to the locking cam means are mutually offset zig-zag shaped and form mutually offset cable passages separated by the extensions disposed therebetween.

65. A device according to claim 62, characterized in that of the cable connection means, which are coordinated to two locking cam means or locking opening means disposed in a diagonal plane, at least one of said cable connection means is disposed offset to the diago: nal plane, and that the radial planes containing the cable connection means form with thediagonal plane containing the locking opening means an angle of about to 20.

66. A device according to claim 65, characterized in that said angle is about I 67. A device according to claim 65, characterized in that ofthe cable connection means, which are coordinated to two locking opening means disposed in a diagonal plane, one'of the cable connection means is disposed in the diagonal plane containing the locking opening means.

68. A deviceaccording to claim 67, characterized in that the two diagonal planes in which are disposed the locking cam means or locking opening means with two' fuses'coordinated to an element of the fuse carrier means, form an acute angle.

69. A device according to claim 68, characterized in that said angle is about 60.

70. A device according to claim 60, characterized in thatlocking opening means receive a.correspondingly shaped contact bridge means which is formed by the radially inner end section of a contact spring means and is connected with a cable connection means.

71. A device according to claim 70, characterized in that the contact spring means coordinated to the receptacle elements form with the radially outer portions thereof a component of a cabale connection means.

. 72. A device according to claim 70, characterized in that a pin-shaped projection is provided in the hookshaped locking opening means located in front and at a distance of the closed end thereof, a portion of the contact bridge means being disposed between the pinshaped projection and the wall of the locking opening means.

73. A device according to claim 60, characterized in that groove-shaped recesses for the contact spring means to be inserted therein are provided in the ringshaped receptacle elements which recesses start from an end face thereof.

74. A device according to claim 70, characterized in that in the locking position of the fuse carrier means with respect to the receptacle means, the locking cam means surrounded by the contact spring means coordinated to the fuse carrier means are disposed in the hook-shaped locking opening means receiving the contact bridge means and are retained by the contact bridge means constructed as locking springs.

75. Apparatus for supporting fuses comprising:

receptacle means including receptacle locking means, fuse carrier means including carrier locking means and being insertable into said receptacle means, fuse holder means on said fuse carrier means for releasably holding a plurality of fuses on said fuse carrier means, and cable connection means arranged on said recep tacle means, 1 said receptacle locking means and carrier locking means being lockingly interengageable with one another when said fuse carrier means is inserted in said receptacle means to lock said carrier means to said receptacle means with electrical contact between fuses in said fuse carrier means and said cable connection means.

76. Apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said fuse holder means also form part of the electrical'connection betwen said fuses and said cable connection means.

77. Apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said fuse holder means forcibly contact opposite ends of each fuse held thereby with the fuse oriented with the opposite ends thereof in a plane extending perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the carrier means into the receptacle means.

78. Apparatus according to claim 75, wherein interengaging locking parts of said receptacle locking means and said carrier locking means also form part of the electrical connection between said fuses and said cable connection means.

79. Apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said receptacle locking means and carrier locking means are lockingly engaged with one another upon mutual rotation of said receptacle means and carrier means.

80. Apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said receptacle means is formed of a plurality of detachably connected receptacle units, wherein said carrier means is formed of a plurality of detachably connected carrier units, each receptacle unit including cable connection means for accommodating at least one fuse, each carrier unit including fuse holder means for holding at least one fuse, respective ones of said individual receptacle units and carrier units having similar dimensions in the direction of insertion of said carrier means into said receptacle means so that the number of fuses to be supported and the total size in said direction of insertion of said receptacle means and carrier means can be simply varied by appropriate selection of the .number of respective units forming said receptacle means and said carrier means.

81. Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein each carrier unit includes holding means for holding two fuses, and wherein each receptacle unit'includes cable connection means for accommodating electrical connection of said two fuses. v

82. Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the receptacle means are constructed such that the receptacle units exhibit cable connection means facing radially outwardly with respect to an axis extending in said direction of insertion, the cable connection means of one receptacle unit being positionable circumferentially spaced with respect to the cable connection means adjacent identical receptacle units by changing the rotational position of the adjacent receptacle units with respect to one another before locking same together to form said receptacle means, said receptacle units including form locking means for rotatably fixing said receptacle units with respect to one another.

83. Apparatus according to claim 78, wherein the interengaging locking parts include separate springs attached respectively to said carrier means and said receptacle means.

84. Apparatus for supporting fuses comprising:

receptacle locking said receptacle means to lock said carrier means to I said receptacle means with electrical contact between fuse means in said fuse carrier means and said cable connection means, wherein interengaging locking parts of said receptacle locking means and said carrier locking means also form part of the electrical connection between said fuse means and said cable connection means. 85. Apparatus according to claim 84, wherein said receptacle locking means and carrier locking means are lockingly engaged with one another upon mutual rotation of said receptacle means and carrier means. 

1. A device for the arrangement of fuses, especially in motor vehicles, which includes a fuse carrier means, fuses exchangeably arranged in said fuse carrier means, and cable connection means, characterized in that a separate receptacle means is coordinated to said fuse carrier means, which contains the cable connection means, said fuse carrier means being insertable into said receptacle means, and said fuse carrier means being lockable in a position in the receptacle means in which the fuses are electrically connected with the corresponding cable connection means.
 2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said device consists essentially only of two assemblies constituted by said receptacle and fuse carrier means.
 3. A device according to claim 1, characterized by locking means on said fuse carrier means and on said receptacle means for locking said fuse carrier meanS with respect to said receptacle means.
 4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is constructed column-shaped and in that a sleeve-shaped receptacle means is coordinated to the fuse carrier means.
 5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are lockable with respect to each other by a locking means resulting from relative mutual rotation.
 6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the receptacle means and fuse carrier means are so matched to one another in their construction that upon axial alignment of the fuse carrier means and receptacle means, the fuse carrier means is adapted to be inserted into the receptacle means only in a predetermined angular position.
 7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided along its circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinated an aperture in the receptacle means.
 8. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the receptacle means is provided at its inner circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinated an aperture in the fuse carrier means.
 9. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the receptacle means is mounted on a plate disposed in front thereof in the insertion direction of the fuse carrier means, and in that the plate and fuse carrier means are provided with mutually coordinated radial projection and aperture means.
 10. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided at its rear end as viewed in the insertion direction into the receptacle means with a cover means which includes a handle portion.
 11. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided with a closure means at the forward end thereof as viewed in the insertion direction in the receptacle means.
 12. A device according to claim 11, characterized in that the closure means is provided with at least one of radial projection and radial aperture to which is coordinated a corresponding one of an aperture and projection at one of the two parts consisting of receptacle means and mounting plate.
 13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one of the two parts consisting of cover means and closure means of the fuse carrier means is constructed as compartment for spare fuses.
 14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are composed of individual elements to be connected into a structure, of which each elemment of the fuse carrier means receives at least one fuse and the corresponding element of the receptacle means is provided with associated cable connection means.
 15. A device according to claim 14, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are composed of mutually identical elements to be connected coaxially to one another.
 16. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that the elements combined into fuse carrier means and receptacle means are form-lockingly connected with one another and clamped against one another.
 17. A device according to claim 14, characterized in that an element of the fuse carrier means includes a base plate that is provided with axially extending locking cam means, support means for contact spring means retaining the fuses and a central centering pin means which is provided with an axial bore for a clamping bolt.
 18. A device according to claim 17, characterized in that free end sections of the locking cam means, of the support means and of the centering pin means form parts of a form locking connection between respective directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier means.
 19. A device according to claim 18, characterized in that at least individual ones of the locking cam means and of the support means have offset end portions to which correspond aperture means in the respectively opPositely facing side of the base plate and which form parts of the form locking connection between respectively directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier means.
 20. A device according to claim 18, characterized in that the centering pin means on one side of the base plate has a length substantially corresponding to the locking cam means and is provided on the end face with a polygonal central aperture to which corresponds a raised part of the centering pin means of identical cross sectional configuration and provided at the other side of the base plate, whereby the depth of the aperture and the length of the corresponding centering pin part are larger than the depth of the form-locking connections coordinated to the locking cam means and the support means.
 21. A device according to claim 20, characterized in that the locking cam means are provided at radially outwardly extending sections of the base plate.
 22. A device according to claim 20, characterized in that an element of the fuse carrier means is constructed laterally inverted symmetrical to a cross center plane passing throuogh the center of the centering pin means and carries to mutually parallelly disposed fuses extending approximately perpendicularly to this cross center plane which are arranged mutually offset in the longitudinal direction.
 23. A device according to claim 22, characterized in that the contact spring means retaining the fuses start respectively from a locking cam means and that of the two contact spring means retaining a respective fuse, one contact spring means is supported on both sides adjacent its support area for the fuse whereas with the other contact spring means, the support area for the fuse is disposed within the area of the free spring end.
 24. A device according to claim 23, characterized in that the contact spring means at least for the most part surround fittingly the associated locking cam means.
 25. A device according to claim 24, characterized in that the ring-shaped elements of the receptacle means are provided on the inside with hook-shaped locking opening means projecting beyond the inner circumference, the locking opening means all opening in the same direction in relation to the circumference of the ring-shaped element, a locking cam means provided at the base plate of an element being coordinated to the locking opening means, on the one hand, and a cable connection means being coordinated thereto, on the other.
 26. A device according to claim 25, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided respectively on the outside at the ring-shaped elements.
 27. A device according to claim 26, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided in an extension projecting beyond the circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element.
 28. A device according to claim 27, characterized in that the cable connection are provided in the radially outer end faces of said extensions.
 29. A device according to claim 28, characterized in that the extensions containing respectively a cable connection means and coordinated respectively to a locking cam means of an element of the fuse carrier means are arranged distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element in such a manner that upon rotation of respectively following coaxially disposed elements forming the receptacle means through 180* with respect to one another, the corresponding extensions disposed one above the other and coordinated to the locking cam means are mutually offset zig-zag shaped and form mutually offset cable passages separated by the extensions disposed therebetween.
 30. A device according to claim 29, characterized in that of the cable connection means, which are coordinated to two locking cam means or locking opening means disposed in a diagonal plane, at least one of said cable connection means is disposed offset to the diagonal plane, and that the radial planes containing the cable connection means form with the diagonal plane cOntaining the locking openings means an angle of about 10* to 20*.
 31. A device according to claim 30, characterized in that said angle is about 15*.
 32. A device according to claim 30, characterized in that of the cable connection means, which are coordinated to two locking opening means disposed in a diagonal plane, one of the cable connection means is disposed in the diagonal plane containing the locking opening means.
 33. A device according to claim 32, characterized in that the two diagonal planes in which are disposed the locking cam means or locking opening means with two fuses coordinated to an element of the fuse carrier means, form an acute angle.
 34. A device according to claim 33, characterized in that said angle is about 60*.
 35. A device according to claim 33, characterized in that locking opening means receive a correspondingly shaped contact bridge means which is formed by the radially inner end section of a contact spring means and is connected with a cable connection means.
 36. A device according to claim 35, characterized in that the contact spring means coordinated to the receptacle elements form with the radially outer portions thereof a component of a cable connection means.
 37. A device according to claim 36, characterized in that a pin-shaped projection is provided in the hook-shaped locking opening means located in front and at a distance of the closed end thereof, a portion of the contact bridge means being disposed between the pin-shaped projection and the wall of the locking opening means.
 38. A device according to claim 37, characterized in that groove-shaped recesses for the contact spring means to be inserted therein are provided in the ring-shaped receptacle elements which recesses start from an end face thereof.
 39. A device according to claim 38, characterized in that in the locking position of the fuse carrier means with respect to the receptacle means, the locking cam means surrounded by the contact spring means coordinated to the fuse carrier means are disposed in the hook-shaped locking opening means receiving the contact bridge means and are retained by the contact bridge means constructed as locking springs.
 40. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are lockable with respect to each other by a locking means resulting from relative mutual rotation.
 41. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle means and fuse carrier means are so matched to one another in their construction that upon axial alignment of the fuse carrier means and receptacle means, the fuse carrier means is adapted to be inserted into the receptacle means only in a predetermined angular position.
 42. A device according to claim 41, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided along its circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinated an aperture in the receptacle means.
 43. A device according to claim 42, characterized in that the receptacle means is provided at its inner circumference with at least one radial projection to which is coordinated an aperture in the fuse carrier means.
 44. A device according to claim 43, characterized in that the receptacle means is mounted on a plate disposed in front thereof in the insertion direction of the fuse carrier means, and in that the plate and fuse carrier means are provided with mutually coordinated radial projection and aperture means.
 45. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided at its rear end as viewed in the insertion direction into the receptacle means with a cover means which includes a handle portion.
 46. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means is provided with a closure means at the forward end thereof as viewed in the insertion direction in the receptacle means.
 47. A device according to claim 46, characterized in that the closure means is provided with at least one of radial projection and radial aperture to which is coordinated a corresponding one of an aperture and projection at the receptacle means.
 48. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of two parts consisting of cover means and closure means of the fuse carrier means is constructed as compartment for spare fuses.
 49. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are are composed of a plurality of individual elements to be connected into a structure, of which each element of the fuse carrier means receives at least one fuse and the corresponding element of the receptacle means is provided with associated cable connection means.
 50. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse carrier means and the receptacle means are composed of mutually identical elements to be connected coaxially to one another.
 51. A device according to claim 49, characterized in that the elements combined into fuse carrier means and receptacle means are form-lockingly connected with one another and clamped against one another.
 52. A device according to claim 49, characterized in that an element of the fuse carrier means includes a base plate that is provided with axially extending locking cam means, support means for contact spring means retaining the fuses and a central centering pin means which is provided with an axial bore for a clamping bolt.
 53. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that free end sections of the locking cam means, of the support means and of the centering pin means form parts of a form locking connection between respective directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier means.
 54. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that at least individual ones of the locking cam means and of the support means have offset end portions to which correspond aperture means in the respectively oppositely facing side of the base plate and which form parts of a form locking connection between respectively directly adjacent elements of the fuse carrier means.
 55. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that the centering pin means on one side of the base plate has a length substantially corresponding to the locking cam means and is provided on the end face with a polygonal central aperture to which corresponds a raised part of the centering pin means of identical cross sectional configuration and provided at the other side of the base plate, whereby the depth of the aperture and the length of the corresponding centering pin part are larger than the depth of form-locking connections coordinated to the locking cam means and the support means.
 56. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that the locking cam means are provided at radially outwardly extending sections of the base plate.
 57. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that an element of the fuse carrier means is constructed laterally inverted symmetrical to a cross center plane passing through the center of the centering pin means and carries to mutually parallelly disposed fuses extending approximately perpendicularly to this cross center plane which are arranged mutually offset in the longitudinal direction.
 58. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that the contact spring means retaining the fuses start respectively from a locking cam means and that of the two contact spring means retaining a respective fuse, one contact spring means is supported on both sides adjacent its support are for the fuse whereas with the other contact spring means, the support area for the fuse is disposed within the area of the free spring end.
 59. A device according to claim 58, characterized in that the contact spring means at least for the most part surround fittingly the associated locking cam means.
 60. A device according to claim 52, characterized in that ring-shaped elements of the receptacle means are provided on the inside with hook-shAped locking opening means projecting beyond the inner circumference, the locking opening means all opening in the same directon in relation to the circumference of the ring-shaped element, a locking cam means provided as the base plate of an element being coordinated to the locking opening means, on the one hand, and a cable connection means being coordinated thereto, on the other.
 61. A device according to claim 60, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided respectively on the outside at the ring-shaped elements.
 62. A device according to claim 61, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided in an extension projecting beyond the circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element.
 63. A device accordng to claim 62, characterized in that the cable connection means are provided in the radially outer end faces of said extensions.
 64. A device according to claim 62, characterized in that the extensions containing respectively a cable connection means and coordinated respectively to a locking cam means of an element of the fuse carrier means are arranged distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped receptacle element in such a manner that upon rotation of respectively following coaxially disposed elements forming the receptacle means through 180* with respect to one another, the corresponding extensions disposed one above the other and coordinated to the locking cam means are mutually offset zig-zag shaped and form mutually offset cable passages separated by the extensions disposed therebetween.
 65. A device according to claim 62, characterized in that of the cable connection means, which are coordinated to two locking cam means or locking opening means disposed in a diagonal plane, at least one of said cable connection means is disposed offset to the diagonal plane, and that the radial planes containing the cable connection means form with the diagonal plane containing the locking opening means an angle of about 10* to 20*.
 66. A device according to claim 65, characterized in that said angle is about 15*.
 67. A device according to claim 65, characterized in that of the cable connection means, which are coordinated to two locking opening means disposed in a diagonal plane, one of the cable connection means is disposed in the diagonal plane containing the locking opening means.
 68. A device according to claim 67, characterized in that the two diagonal planes in which are disposed the locking cam means or locking opening means with two fuses coordinated to an element of the fuse carrier means, form an acute angle.
 69. A device according to claim 68, characterized in that said angle is about 60*.
 70. A device according to claim 60, characterized in that locking opening means receive a correspondingly shaped contact bridge means which is formed by the radially inner end section of a contact spring means and is connected with a cable connection means.
 71. A device according to claim 70, characterized in that the contact spring means coordinated to the receptacle elements form with the radially outer portions thereof a component of a cabale connection means.
 72. A device according to claim 70, characterized in that a pin-shaped projection is provided in the hook-shaped locking opening means located in front and at a distance of the closed end thereof, a portion of the contact bridge means being disposed between the pin-shaped projection and the wall of the locking opening means.
 73. A device according to claim 60, characterized in that groove-shaped recesses for the contact spring means to be inserted therein are provided in the ring-shaped receptacle elements which recesses start from an end face thereof.
 74. A device according to claim 70, characterized in that in the locking position of the fuse carrier means with respect to the receptacle means, the locking cam means surrounded by the contact spring means coordinated to the fuse carrier means are disposEd in the hook-shaped locking opening means receiving the contact bridge means and are retained by the contact bridge means constructed as locking springs.
 75. Apparatus for supporting fuses comprising: receptacle means including receptacle locking means, fuse carrier means including carrier locking means and being insertable into said receptacle means, fuse holder means on said fuse carrier means for releasably holding a plurality of fuses on said fuse carrier means, and cable connection means arranged on said receptacle means, said receptacle locking means and carrier locking means being lockingly interengageable with one another when said fuse carrier means is inserted in said receptacle means to lock said carrier means to said receptacle means with electrical contact between fuses in said fuse carrier means and said cable connection means.
 76. Apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said fuse holder means also form part of the electrical connection betwen said fuses and said cable connection means.
 77. Apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said fuse holder means forcibly contact opposite ends of each fuse held thereby with the fuse oriented with the opposite ends thereof in a plane extending perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the carrier means into the receptacle means.
 78. Apparatus according to claim 75, wherein interengaging locking parts of said receptacle locking means and said carrier locking means also form part of the electrical connection between said fuses and said cable connection means.
 79. Apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said receptacle locking means and carrier locking means are lockingly engaged with one another upon mutual rotation of said receptacle means and carrier means.
 80. Apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said receptacle means is formed of a plurality of detachably connected receptacle units, wherein said carrier means is formed of a plurality of detachably connected carrier units, each receptacle unit including cable connection means for accommodating at least one fuse, each carrier unit including fuse holder means for holding at least one fuse, respective ones of said individual receptacle units and carrier units having similar dimensions in the direction of insertion of said carrier means into said receptacle means so that the number of fuses to be supported and the total size in said direction of insertion of said receptacle means and carrier means can be simply varied by appropriate selection of the number of respective units forming said receptacle means and said carrier means.
 81. Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein each carrier unit includes holding means for holding two fuses, and wherein each receptacle unit includes cable connection means for accommodating electrical connection of said two fuses.
 82. Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the receptacle means are constructed such that the receptacle units exhibit cable connection means facing radially outwardly with respect to an axis extending in said direction of insertion, the cable connection means of one receptacle unit being positionable circumferentially spaced with respect to the cable connection means adjacent identical receptacle units by changing the rotational position of the adjacent receptacle units with respect to one another before locking same together to form said receptacle means, said receptacle units including form locking means for rotatably fixing said receptacle units with respect to one another.
 83. Apparatus according to claim 78, wherein the interengaging locking parts include separate springs attached respectively to said carrier means and said receptacle means.
 84. Apparatus for supporting fuses comprising: receptacle means including receptacle locking means, fuse carrier means including locking means and being insertable into said receptacle means, fuse holder means on said fuse carrier means for releasably holding fuse means on said fuse carriEr means, and cable connection means arranged on said receptacle means, said receptacle locking means and carrier locking means being lockingly interengageable with one another when said fuse carrier means is inserted in said receptacle means to lock said carrier means to said receptacle means with electrical contact between fuse means in said fuse carrier means and said cable connection means, wherein interengaging locking parts of said receptacle locking means and said carrier locking means also form part of the electrical connection between said fuse means and said cable connection means.
 85. Apparatus according to claim 84, wherein said receptacle locking means and carrier locking means are lockingly engaged with one another upon mutual rotation of said receptacle means and carrier means. 